Friday, December 28, 2018

Much To Do - Off the Wall Friday

First of all, thanks for all the support on my last post. I wrote it not only to explain why I have been

Block of the Month Pattern

all over the place in 2018, but also in hopes that it would help someone else.

With that said, I spent a lot of time thinking while I cleaned out Christmas from my studio. During the weeks before the holiday my studio becomes wrapping central for the family since its off the beaten path and it has a really nice cutting mat. But this week I reclaimed it and came up with a plan for 2019.

While I was cleaning, I came to the realization that what I'd like to do is get back to old fashion quilting. Not that I don't want to do something original but right now I'm not in that mind frame. The thing that drew me to quilting to begin with is that it has a beginning and an end and usual a straight forward line between the two. BUT with art quilting that is not so. With any art piece you're never quite sure where its going to go and where you're going to end up.

So I decided that for now I'm going to work through my To-Do List and finish up the Craftsy Block of the Month quilt I started last year. As for my To-Do list, I spent time evaluating every project today, thinking if I wanted to finish it or not. One made the list was the Cow's Monthly Quilt because my husband wants to see that finished. I originally had done it for my daughter when she was going through her "Cow's Phase" and then kinda left it off when she grew out of it and was onto something else. But since Paul asked me to finish it - I will!

To-Do

Finish Designing

Hooper Abstract

Shady Sadie

Sheer Studies

Cow's Quilt

Quilt

Vases

Grating Abstract

Bind/Label

Bowls

Curves II

Boat

Sign Abstract

Included in this list is the Sheer Studies I did at QBL this year. They are 4" squares that I have fallen in love with like a new boyfriend. And as all boyfriends I'm thinking I have a blind spot where they are concerned. I want to do something with them but I have no idea what!! But on the other hand, is this the kind of project where you learn a lot doing and just kick them to the curb? I mean really do I want to take this relationship one step further?

ANY IDEAS ON WHAT TO DO WITH THEM? All comments are welcome even if its to say "Nina get a grip - this relationship is going nowhere." I don't mind tough love!

And if that's not enough, I would like to give up playing computer games and work in some handwork instead. So when I have a quiet moments of watching TV or listening to an audiobook I would like to do the piecing on my pinwheels and do some hand applique on favorite Christmas gift - Monthly Santas. I found out this month, that Piecemakers had reprinted their Calendar patterns including the Santas from 2012. I love to hand applique and haven't done it in ages. With this pattern I can work on one month at a time!

Gee that seems like a lot but at least its a plan!! I still have half of my vacation left so we'll see how much I can get done!

Ohhh and I hope your holiday was as great as mine! Here we are Christmas Eve! I'm leaving the link up open an extra day due to the holiday. I always seem to sew on New Year's Day so I thought somebody else would like to too!

8 comments:

Those 4" squares? MistyFuse them to the white... with the faux sashing just like you have it in the picture above. FMQ... each block, either the same, similarily or pot-luck. Or choose a different fill for each one for practice. Ruler work the sashing in straight lines. Lots of pluses you get to keep the love affair with the blocks, it's a simple solution, some practice and a DONE! Sometimes we over think and the best solution is the simplest! Good LUCK.

Sometimes our minds need a rest! Straight up quilting can provide just that, a place for our brain and hands to create something fun and beautiful without the pressures coming up with new concepts and stunning innovation.

Happy New Year! I'm with those who think that laid out 'as is' on a white/neutral background is just fine for those squares. Fuse 'em and use a simple stitch to finish the applique, in a colour that works in.

I too like to cut strips or make 1/2-square triangles or piece in a straight-forward BOM way; it gives my brain a rest in between original creations -- and I do it regularly!

Here's to crossing more off our lists and getting it out of our WIP/UFO stacks in 2019!

What's the point of a new boyfriend if you can't do new things? Stick with the sheers and learn how to assemble them as someone suggested, Pojagi style. It will be different, gorgeous and then you can go looking for a new adventure with a new friend!